A standing ovation brought Whitney Houston to tears last night in New York City. No, the songstress wasn’t taking the stage to sing, she was there to thank her fans, family members and celebrity friends who were invited to an intimate listening party for her new album, “I Look to You.”

Whitney Houston speaks at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in February.

Houston’s mentor and long-time producer, Clive Davis, hosted the event, and introduced 9 tracks from the album before the diva jumped on stage.

ABC newswoman Diane Sawyer, who conducted the infamous “crack is whack” interview with Houston, sat front and center and was greeted with a big hug when spotted by the singing superstar. Martha Stewart, Vivica A. Fox and Alicia Keys, who wrote and produced one of the new tracks, were also on hand to lend their support.

But it was her family members Houston credited for inspiring her return to the studio. Mom, Cissy, cousin, Dionne Warwick and 16 year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, were also there to welcome Houston back to the spotlight.

“I Look to You,” Houston’s first new album in 7 years, is out September 1st.

soundoff(36 Responses)

Well Whitney, what can I say that hasnʻt already been said by all of the previous well wishers and fans. I was driving home this past week and heard "I look to You" on the smooth jazz radio station and was instantly touched by the heart and soul of this beautiful song. I kept waiting to see who was the singer, but the station didnʻt provide the name. So yesterday, I went on line and did a search and to my amazement I was pleasantly surprised that it was you Whitney!! Instantly, I felt that this song will be number 1 soon. Mahalo, for bringing this very inspirational song out at this time in my life. You have found your wings, now you can fly and inspire others to fly too!
Aloha, Kuokoa

There is not one negative thing said here and I am very impressed. we all seem to see it the same way. She is one of the great talents. Beautiful woman, fantastic voice. Just wonderful. Am so very glad she is coming back strong! Hope she knows everyone is on her side!

I agree with the poster that said there is usually negative commentary here, at least one. But not for Whitney! Whether it was "I Will Always Love You" or another of the classics, everyone who enojoyed her music felt like it was unique, and that we almost lost a great person to drugs. Thank God something happened to get her on the right track. I hope the album will follow its predecessors to become a classic.

Whitney please come to Columbia, South Carolina and be my quest at this small A.M.E. Church. I really need you to inspired my choir members, young and old. They have talent but afraid to use it. Love you. Glad you are back and wish you a lot of love in your future

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS NEWS FOREVER.
WHITNEY, YOU HAVE MADE MY DAY.
I HAVEN'T STOPPED PLAYING YOUR SONGS AND I LOOK
FORWARD TO THIS NEW ONE.BLESS YOU AND KRISTINA.
THE POWER OF A DAUGHTERS LOVE. HEY THAT COULD
BE A SONG.

I fell in love with Whitney the first time I heard her sang, but when she sang "One moment in time" I melted like butter. That song really touched me in a profound way. I wish Whitney all the best and I pray that God continue to bless and keep her.

Love you Whitney as always! I was looking at some YouTubes of you and MJJ; I forgot how close you and Michael were at the time. MJJ is watching over you from Heaven! We are happy you are ready to share your beautiful gift with us again; I pray we are mature enough and worthy enough to receive it! Blessings to You!

I am so glad Whitney has pulled through and came out on top.
Her star is shining again. I hate to say that her husband was a huge contributing factor in her 'down' years and I am glad she lived through that experience to prevail again. I look forward to hearing her music again soon.

Wish MJ could have gotten away from his demons and could have gone on to make another generation of music, and with his beautiful children.

I hope we all have learned from both of these stars and can help ourselves or others we may know who are going through rough times.
As was said in Shawshank Redemption... Either get busy living or get busy dying. Whitney got busy with the former and unfortunately MJ with the latter.

I will never forget the exhilaration I felt when I first saw the video for "I want to Dance with Someone who Loves me". I instantly fell in love with Whitney's emotive voice and her energy. Drugs and poor choices in marriage take a lot of people off track, there is no shame in that. It takes real courage to admit your mistakes, come back, and offer the world the beauty of the talent God gave you. Maybe Whitney went through all of this so that she could be an inspiration to other addicts/alcoholics. I am so excited to hear the album! Welcome back Whitney!

God Never Fails, I Prayed a prayer for you years ago, I am a Born Again Believer, for the last 20yrs. I knew that your "Break Through" would come. I Love You trully, keep singing and remember "Without God We Are NOTHING!!!!

Whitney, look great. I am so proud of u for the courage to come out of your situation. It proves to so many that you can rise above what people say and against all odds you are back! Congratulations and much love and support

I am so happy that Whitney is back! I have always loved and admired her, everyone goes through a hard time.. She is a extreme talent, her voice is like no other!!!
I hardly ever buy CD's but I cannot wait to purchase this one!! Love you Whit!!

HE never gave up on Whitney; for HE was always by her side. Whitney went through this for a reason and now through her gifts of song and testimony she will heal both inwardly and out. Not only will she mend but others will too because of her sustainable strength and belief in HIM.

We love you, and stay strong. Now, the right people are around you. To God be the Glory.

I am an ardent fan of Whitney Houston....always loved her music, love the songstress, always admired her beauty, her dancing , her singing..By the Grace of God we have you back Whitney and you aint going no where..........Cant wait to purchase your new album not sure when it will be released in South Africa.
Stay strong and Keep the Faith and May God Bless you Abunduntly!

I am thrilled to hear that Whitney is "back". I have always loved her gorgeous voice. Many times I would sing along to her songs on the drive home. Whitney and Michael Jackson were my all time favorites. Now that MJ is no longer with us, it feels great to know that Whitney is back. It helps with the sense of loss of MJ and his music just a bit. You rock Whitney!

I LOVE AND MISS HERE SO MUCH GLAD SHE IS BACK AND LOOK SO GOOD U GO BABY. I CAN WAIT TO BUY THIS ALBUM, I STILL PLAY THE OLD ALBUM ALL THE TIME . SHE STILL GOT THE VOICE I HEARD A CLIP OF A NEW SONG SHE SING SHE STILL GOT IT LOVE U WHITNEY CANT WAIT TO SEE U IN CONCRET LOVE

I am happy to see Whitney back on track! We all have our ups and downs and I'm glad she rose above it all and came out on top. Faith and determination prevailed! Welcome back Whitney! I look forward to hearing your new album!

I am truly glad for Whitney Houston. I have always loved her singing. My heart was broken for her & her family when she was going through "difficulties". I rejoice for her now & I plan on purchasing her new album.
My prayers are with you & your family – God Bless You!!!!!